Dr. Emmanuel Steve Asare Manteaw, the Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), has challenged the assertions made by Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei, a renowned Ghanaian economist regarding the government’s establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and its alleged legalisation of illegal mining i.e ‘galamsey’.
The debate between the two academics followed the ongoing opinions surrounding the government’s approach to tackling the menace of illegal mining activities deteriorating the country’s natural resources.
Prof. Addae’s claims, which he alleged that the establishment of Gold Board legalizes galamsey, have sparked a fierce response from Dr. Manteaw, who has accused the respected academic of demonstrating a lack of understanding of the GoldBod’s mandate and the measures in place to address the issue of illegally mined gold.
“Prof Stephen Addae’s claim, that the president has legalized galamsey by establishing the GoldBod, betrays his ignorance of the rationale for the establishment of the GoldBod and its mandate.”
Dr. Steve Manteaw
Gold Board and Galamsey
Professor Adei in his claim, alleged that the president and security agencies are complicit in the illegal mining activities by creating the Gold Board. He believes that by creating the office, it legalizes the menace, since it sources its gold from those illegal miners.
“For example, the current government which in many ways is doing well, you know, has legalised galamsey . Gold Board is legalisation of galamsey. No, we buy from the small gold miners. If you’re able to distinguish between the small-scale genuine gold miners and galamseyers, you could have stopped the galamseyers.”
Professor Stephen Adei
In his rebuttal, Dr. Manteaw went on to challenge Prof. Addae’s assertions, posing two key questions which according to him, directly address the concerns raised about the GoldBod’s role in legitimizing illegal mining activities.
“How can an Act, which requires the establishment of a gold traceability system, which includes the documentation of the chain of custody from mine head to the market, be intended to legalize galamsey?” Dr. Manteaw asked.
Dr. Manteaw in his second question, asked how a well legally-grounded institution established to deal with the menace in contrast, promote the same illegality.
“Again, how can an entity whose policy and operational instruments are aligned with the OECD guidelines on Responsible Mineral Sourcing and the FATF requirements on Customer Due Diligence be described as intended to legalize galamsey?”
Dr. Steve Adei
Rationale Behind the GoldBod
The establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has been a central point of contention in the ongoing debate over the government’s approach to tackling illegal mining. Prof. Adei’s claim that the GoldBod is a “legalization of galamsey” has been met with staunch opposition from his counterpart academic, Dr. Manteaw, who argued that the prof. Adei’s understanding of the GoldBod’s mandate is flawed.
“His commentary on the subject, again, suggest that, he has not read the GoldBod Act, and therefore he’s oblivious of measures outlined in the Act to ensure that illegally mined gold do not enter the supply chain. As at now, the GoldBod is considering proposals for the establishment of a gold traceability framework.”
Dr. Steve Manteaw
The Co-Chair of GHEITI’s rebuttal underscores the importance of understanding the nuances and intricacies of policy decisions in the mining and extractive industry. He has called on Prof. Addae to refrain from making “pedestrian comments” and to instead engage in a more informed and constructive dialogue on the matter.
Balanced Approach to Tackling Illegal Mining
The ongoing debate between the two respected figures highlights the complexities involved in addressing the galamsey challenge.
While Prof. Addae’s concerns about the government’s approach may have some merit, Dr. Manteaw’s critique emphasizes the need for a more balanced and well-informed perspective on the issue.
While the government continues to grapple with the multifaceted problem of illegal mining, it is crucial that stakeholders, including academics and industry experts, engage in constructive dialogues that consider the various policy instruments and regulatory frameworks in place.
Only through such a collaborative approach can Ghana effectively tackle the scourge of galamsey and safeguard its precious natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
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